Analytical Sensitivity

How To Calculate Analytical Sensitivity For Analyses Conducted
at Prestige EnviroMicrobiology, Inc.

For spore counting (P001), the analytical sensitivity is: 1/area read (or area read in %, then times 100)/air volume in m³.
     Example: the analytical sensitivity for Air-O-Cell with an air volume of 0.15 m3 is:  1/25.3 x 100/0.15 m³ = 26 fungal structures/m³.

For culturable air samples (P006, P007 and P008), the analytical sensitivity is: 1/air volume in m³.
     Example: the analytical sensitivity for Andersen samples with an air volume of 141.5L or 0.1415 m³ is: 1/0.1415 = 7 CFU/m³.

For culturable bulk & dust samples (P009 thru P017), the analytical sensitivity is: 1 x
100x (lowest dilution used in the analysis, usually 100x; if dust weight is less than 0.075g,
use 40x) then divided by weight used.
     Example: the analytical sensitivity of a bulk sample with 0.1250g used, the analytical sensitivity is: 1 x 100 / 0.125g = 800 CFU/g.
     Example: the analytical sensitivity of a dust sample with 0.0500g used, the analytical sensitivity is: 1 x 40 / 0.0500g = 800 CFU/g.
     Example: the analytical sensitivity of a dust sample with no measurable weight, the analytical sensitivity is: 1 x 10 / 1 = 10 CFU/sample.

For culturable swab samples (P009 thru P017), the analytical sensitivity is: 1 x 100x
then divided by sample area used. If sample area is not defined, use one.
     Example: the analytical sensitivity of a swab sample with one squared inch collected, the analytical sensitivity is: 1 x 100 / 1 = 100 CFU/in².
     Example: the analytical sensitivity of a swab sample with no collection surface area available, the analytical sensitivity is: 1 x 100 / 1 = 100 CFU/sample.

(May 2014)